Ben Ali allegedly fled Tunisia...with 1.5 tons of gold

The international press review focuses on the crisis in Tunisia. Former president Ben Ali is thought to have fled to Saudi Arabia with his wife. The press wonders how they reportedly managed to escape the country with 1.5 tons of gold in their suitcases...

The Independent’s front page shows the symbolic picture of a torn-down poster of Ben Ali. The International Herald Tribune points the finger at France, Tunisia’s former colonial power. According to the paper, France has strong personal and economic ties with the country and was slow at expressing support for the regime’s opponents.

Le Monde reports about the 1.5 tons of gold reportedly flown out of Tunisia by Ben Ali and his family. Meanwhile, Libération and El Watan publish cartoons portraying the situation there.

The Daily Mail talks about the anger of 1500 holiday makers, who were flown into Tunisia despite official warnings.

And finally Le Soir d’Algérie fears the crisis will spread to Algeria. Four people tried to commit suicide in public in just 48 hours…The press warns this could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.